Magnets

 

What are magnets?

The main magnetic elements are three transition metals. They are:

 

• Iron
• Cobalt
• Nickel

 

Steel is a mixture of iron and carbon. Since steel has a lot of iron, it is magnetic.

 

Magnets have two magnetic poles:

 

• North pole – points to the North
• South pole – points to the South

 

 

A bar magnet

 

Attraction and Repulsion

Bar magnets are the most common magnets. They have two ends, called poles: one north, and one south. When you bring two north ends together, they push each other away. The same happens when you bring two south ends together. When you bring a north and a south end together, they pull each other closer. We say that opposite poles attract, and same poles repel.

 

 

Like poles repel.

 

 

Opposite poles attract.

 

🧲 Knowledge Check: Magnets

Test your knowledge of magnetic poles and fields based on the information from the lesson.

1. According to the laws of magnetism, which of the following pairs will REPEL each other?

• North pole and South pole
• North pole and North pole
• South pole and North pole

2. What term is used to describe the area around a magnet where its force acts?

• The magnetic zone
• The magnetic field
• The polar region

3. Which piece of equipment can be used to show the direction of magnetic field lines?

• A plotting compass
• A thermometer
• A weighing scale

4. In which direction do magnetic field lines always point?

• From South to North
• From North to South
• Toward the center of the magnet

5. What is the result of bringing a North seeking pole close to a South seeking pole?

• They will push each other away.
• They will attract each other.
• Nothing will happen.

Click to Reveal Answers

1. North pole and North pole (Like poles repel).
2. The magnetic field (The space where the force can be felt).
3. A plotting compass (Used to trace the path of field lines).
4. From North to South (The standard direction of magnetic force lines).
5. They will attract each other (Opposite poles attract).

 

Summary:

 

• The two forces that occur when you put magnets together are attraction and repulsion.
• Opposite poles attract.
• Like poles repel.